Brendan 'Fildara' McLaughlin still pushing on both fronts with Culdaff and Malin

For years Malin ace Brendan 'Fildara' McLaughlin has successfully juggled GAA and soccer commitments in Inishowen. 

He is back playing soccer with his native Culdaff and, at the same time, he’s helped propel Malin into the last eight of the IFC. 

At the weekend, they went to Killygordon and defeated Red Hughs 0-10 to 0-8 to secure second spot, just behind Buncrana in the final group standings. 

McLaughlin (29), says he’s been playing senior since he was 15 and is now in his fifteenth season. But right now, Malin is the priority as they look forward to a quarter-final clash with Bundoran. 

On their Red Hughs exploits, he said: “The first-half was not near good enough and even though they went three up early in the second-half, we hit back with three quick points and that is our mentality, we never die. 

“It was our own fault that we found ourselves in that position, but we will take the positives from that win. 

“We know we are good enough but it is always a tight struggle here. But we have savage pace and we know we have boys coming off the bench who can make a real difference and that was apparent today. There is a lot of power there and they help.” 

In regards to Culdaff’s prospective fortunes in this season’s Inishowen League First Division, 

“I am back playing with Culdaff, which is where I am from. The soccer helps in the Gaelic too and you have to be crafty as well.  It is about creating space. It’s a juggle but I really enjoy both”.